Scout Language



This page will help you AFTER you sign your son up for Scouts. So glance it over for now and remember it is here for you later...

If you are new to scouting you will be exposed to "Scoutspeak". (It’s kinda like when you go to a party and everyone there is a computer programmer except you.)

To help you decode “Scoutspeak”, here are a few handy definitions:



Cub Scout Language:

Arrow of Light

This is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform.

Blue and Gold Banquet

Generally held in February to celebrate the anniversary of Cub Scouting. This celebration can be an annual pot luck dinner, banquet or whatever the pack decides to make it. Packs may use the event for crossover ceremonies to Boy Scouts.

Den Chief

A Boy Scout who helps direct the activities of a Webelos Den.

Webelos

We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, boys in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Boy Scout uniform (means he outgrew the blue one). Works on Activity Pins, camps, goes on hikes, prepares to be a Boy Scout. Old hand at this Cub Scout business--can build a Pinewood Derby car blindfolded.




Troop / Boy Scout Language:

Achievements

Boy Scouts must complete Achievements in their Handbook in order to earn the next rank award.

Boy’s Life

A Scouting magazine for boys to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.

Boy Scout

A Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a troop. He advances through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venture Crews

Buddy System

One part of the Safe Swim Defense. Swimmers of like ability are paired. Check in and out of the water together and stay within 10 feet of each other during the swim. It is also used on other Cub Scout activities for safety reasons.

Charter

Formal permission from the Boy Scouts of America allowing a pack to organize.

Chartered Organization

An organization that sponsors the troop. Weekly meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization.
Council: A geographical are, made of up districts for administration of the Boy Scout programs. We are part of the Cradle of Liberty Council.

District

Each council is divided into a number of districts. Troop 1 is part of the Washington District.

Fast Start

Program for new leaders to help them until they can attend additional training.

Fleur de lis

International Boy Scout Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team.

Friends of Scouting (FOS)

Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.

Klondike Derby

A competition where Boy Scouts build a wooden sled, and compete against other troops for bragging rights... and a trophy.

Meeting

Semi-chaotic gathering of boys where much fun and some learning happens.

NAYLE

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, hosted several times each summer at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

NYLT

National Youth Leadership Training, also known as "Silver Stag, focuses on leadership skills, and is led by scouts under the supervision of adult leaders.

Order of the Arrow (OA)

Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Boy Scouts who give cheerful service helping others learn to enjoy the outdoors. Arrowmen also present dramatic and exciting ceremonies at campfires and special awards meetings. 

Patrol

A group of 6-8 boys who meet, work, and camp together at regular intervals.

Training

Available in many varieties to help everyone Do Their Best to be a good leader. Fast Start, Basic, and Youth Protection are common types.

Troop

The whole group of Boy Scouts and leaders.


Scout Leadership Roles:

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)

A Scout who helps the Senior Patrol Leader with holding weekly den meeting and fills in when the Senior Patrol Leader is unavailable.

Den Chief

A Boy Scout who helps direct the activities of a Webelos Den.

Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM)

A Boy Scout who is at least 16 years old, who has shown outstanding leadership skills. He is appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster. At 18, a JASM is eligible to become an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Patrol Leader

A Boy Scout, responsible for leading a Patrol.

Senior Patrol Leader

The youth leader of the troop. All other youth positions report to the Senior Patrol Leader, directly or indirectly. 


Adult Leadership Roles:

Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM)

A volunteer who helps the Scoutmaster run the pack and fills in when the Scoutmaster is unavailable.

Chartered Organization Representative

An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization.

Commissioner

A volunteer Scouter who works with packs, troops, and crews to help the unit succeed.

Committee

This is a group of adult volunteers who “run” the troop. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee meetings.

Committee Chair

 The adult leader of the pack committee. Provides the motivation and direction to the committee to get the troop program implemented.

District Executive

A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.

Leader

Person who gives several hours each week (or more) to help boys grow to be young men of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.

Merit Badge Counselor

Person who has registered with the Council to share his or her expertise with scouts to help them earn a specific Merit Badge.

Scouter

Someone who may or may not have boys in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping boys grow to men.

Scoutmaster

The Scoutmaster is the chief adult volunteer leader. The Scoutmaster leads the programming activities of the troop and advises other leaders.



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